2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R - Comparison Tests

It broke the 10-sec. barrier in the quarter mile, going 9.9 sec. with a trap speed of 144.5 mph.

The media often refer to big-horsepower Japanese sports cars as "Godzilla." So let us be the first t o refer to the GReddy GR43 GT-R as "Godzilla's Daddy" because on a racetrack, its wicked power output will spank most any sports car from Japan...or anywhere else in the world for that matter. The words "fast" and "quick" don't begin to describe the amazing prowess of this heavily modified upscale performance coupe.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

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Not much of the original componentry remains under the hood of the GR43 GT-R. GReddy engineers increased displacement of the VR38DETT powerplant to 4.3 liters by lengthening its stroke from 88.4 mm to 92.4. They also installed larger turbochargers (manufactured in-house) calibrated to deliver 25.0 psi of boost, as well as a new intercooler, custom titanium exhaust system and special lightweight pistons. All these changes result in 763 bhp on a chassis dynamometer at 6970 rpm, which translates to about 900 bhp at the flywheel. Torque peaks at 750 lb.-ft. at 3900 rpm. At $61,000, the engine mods alone cost almost as much as two Nissan 370Zs. The rear-mounted 6-speed twin-clutch transaxle has been upgraded to withstand the extra power, complete with Dodson Motorsport's heavy-duty Promax clutch. This will run you another $15,000.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

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Engage the launch-control system and stomp on the throttle pedal, and the car's four Toyo R888 tires dig into the road surface and shoot the car forward like a cannonball. We did a double-take when the car's acceleration results appeared on our VBOX monitor. The GR43 GT-R hit 60 mph in 2.5 sec. and flew to the century mark in 5.1. It broke the 10-sec. barrier in the quarter mile, going 9.9 sec. with a trap speed of 144.5 mph. Now you know why we're calling this Godzilla's Daddy.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

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As for the car's handling, the GReddy felt balanced and composed on our auto­cross course. The steering felt precise and quick, and you could rotate it nicely through tight hairpins. It was the quickest car of this group through our handling course, yet despite the aftermarket suspension setup that included KW coilovers and beefy Whiteline anti-roll bars both front and rear, the GR43 GT-R failed to match the skidpad and slalom numbers of the Nissan GT-R Premium we tested in June 2010. Still, the GReddy's numbers are impressive, as it registered a teeth-clenching 0.99g around the skidpad and ran the slalom at 73.1 mph.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

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The brakes have been upgraded as well, as the folks at GReddy installed Top Secret's Big Rotor Kit front and rear. Although pedal feel has improved, we would probably forgo this $2560 option because stopping distances didn't improve. The GR43 needed 4 ft. more than the GT-R Premium to stop from 60 mph, and needed an another extra 4 ft. (195 ft.) to stop from 80.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

As for the car's civility—let's just say it belongs on public roads as much as a giant green monster belongs in downtown Tokyo. Ride quality is stiff and the GReddy engine doesn't sound happy when traveling at less than 60 mph. Why this car didn't come with a rollcage is beyond us because it's absolutely track ready. Its flamboyant exterior and interior—highlighted by a custom body kit, 20-in. Rays Volk wheels and Bride racing seats—further acknowledge that this thing is more race car than street cruiser.

2009 GReddy GR43 GT-R

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So how much does the entire package cost? Let's start by saying that the modifications total to more than the $70,000 asking price of a used 2009 GT-R. The total for the GReddy GR43 is a whopping $176,629 (including the car). But when you consider that this car beat the $2.7 million Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (November 2011 issue) to 60 mph and to the quarter mile, the GR43 can be regarded as something of a bargain.